"They're working hard and this is what happens."
An Indian Walmart worker was found dead in the store’s walk-in oven, with Canadian police investigating the horrific circumstances.
The unnamed 19-year-old woman died on October 19, 2024.
It has now been reported that the oven was not lockable, raising new questions.
The victim moved from India to Canada in 2021. Police continue to investigate but there is no current suggestion that the woman fell victim to foul play.
Since the tragedy, mourners have been laying flowers outside the Walmart superstore.
The incident has sparked conspiracy theories as to what happened to the woman but investigators have urged people not to speculate.
After arriving in Canada, the woman formed a close bond with the Maritime Sikh Society.
Board member Satnam Singh Randhawa said:
“It’s pretty distressing given young people come here with hopes and dreams.
“They’re working hard and this is what happens.”
The industrial oven was large enough for a person to step inside and police said the victim had been working on the day of her death.
The Nova Scotia Department of Labour has since issued a “stop work order” for the bakery itself, as well as one piece of Walmart equipment. They have not specified which piece of equipment is under that order.
Balbir Singh, secretary of the Maritime Sikh Society, said the victim’s mother is also in Canada and is receiving “psychological counselling”.
He added: “Efforts are underway to bring other immediate family members from India.”
The woman’s official cause of death is yet to be determined.
Distressing audio of the emergency services dispatch call has since been released, detailing the unfolding tragedy to first responders.
The dispatch officer said there was a “female locked in an oven in the bakery”.
“Oven is on. Unsure if staff are able to turn it off.”
By the time first responders arrived on the scene, they told dispatch the woman “was out of the oven”. However, she died at the scene.
Halifax police officer Martin Cromwell said it was a “complex” investigation, adding:
“We understand the public is involved, and we just wanted to encourage the public to be patient with our investigation and be mindful that there are family members and coworkers involved.”
In a statement, Walmart Canada said they were “heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. We extend our sincerest condolences to those who were closest to them”.
The store will remain closed until further notice.
The statement continued: “We’re also supporting our associates during this incredibly difficult time and have provided access to 24/7 virtual care and will provide on-site support, including grief counselling.”
Halifax Regional Police said: “On October 19 at approximately 9:30 pm police were called to a sudden death at Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road.
“A 19-year-old woman employed at the store was found deceased.
“Investigators are working closely with Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of death.
“The investigation is in the early stages no further details are available at this time.”
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